Description
These Smoky Bacon Cheddar Crusted Chicken Fingers are the perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and smoky goodness. Coated in a delicious blend of cheddar cheese, bacon, and spices, they offer a crispy, mouth-watering crunch with every bite. Whether you serve them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, they’re sure to steal the spotlight!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
- Prepare the Crust: In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, coating it evenly, then dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crust to the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve your smoky bacon cheddar crusted chicken fingers hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- These chicken fingers can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the oven for the best crispiness.
- For an even crispier crust, you can use a wire rack on the baking sheet, allowing air to circulate around the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2-3 chicken tenders)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Smoky Bacon Cheddar Crusted Chicken Fingers, Cheddar Bacon Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken Strips, Cheesy Chicken Fingers, Bacon Chicken Fingers, Baked Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken Snack, Smoky Chicken Recipe